South Sudan’s Vice President and newly appointed deputy chairperson of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, pledged Thursday to “support and protect” President Salva Kiir Mayardit from internal or external humiliation.
Bol made the remarks during his swearing-in ceremony at SPLM House in the capital, Juba, following his promotion to first deputy chairperson. His predecessor, James Wani Igga, was unexpectedly dismissed by Kiir on Tuesday night and was absent from the event.
Also notably missing were Gen. Daniel Awet Akot and Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, who were also removed from their positions as second and third deputy chairpersons, respectively.
Analysts say the leadership shake-up signals deepening fractures within the party, particularly among its founding members.
The 73-year-old Kiir’s decision to elevate Bol, a relative newcomer to frontline politics, is widely seen as positioning him as a potential successor. Bol, 47, was appointed vice president in February, replacing James Wani Igga, and has quickly risen to become one of the government’s most influential figures.
The U.S. sanctioned Bol in 2017 over allegations that his construction company received preferential treatment in government contracts.
The party leadership changes come amid months of political and security tensions, including the house arrest of Kiir’s longtime rival, First Vice President and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar, who was accused of plotting a rebellion.
During Thursday’s ceremony, Bol vowed unwavering loyalty to Kiir.
“I will stand by you, guard you, support you and protect you from any humiliation, whether external or internal,” Bol said. “I am sure that your legacy will remain forever. We stand at the defining moment of both our party and nation.”
He also declared that political parties with private armies would be barred from participating in South Sudan’s 2026 elections.
“Political parties with private armies cannot and will not be part of the peace process, democratic processes, or indeed the 2026 election process,” Bol said. “Elections must be held in 2026, without exception.”
Bol urged South Sudanese citizens and the international community to reject armed groups operating outside the law, accusing them of intimidation and destabilization.
“We need to be at peace,” he said. “Only through the rule of law, national unity and legitimate security structures can we have a peaceful and functioning country.”
In his address, Kiir emphasized that the future of the SPLM and South Sudan rests with its youth, saying the ruling party will now be led by a new generation.
“To the youth, the future of this party and this country is in your hands,” Kiir said. “Learn from the past, respect those who came before you and be ready to carry the flag forward.”
He stressed that the SPLM is not tied to any single tribe or region but belongs to all South Sudanese.
“The SPLM must remain strong, united and focused,” Kiir said. “We are not in competition with each other; we are here to serve the people.”
Reacting to the reshuffle of the top SPLM leadership, Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said political parties have the right to restructure leadership as they see fit.
“It is within the prerogative of every political party to conduct internal power shifts, as long as it aligns with their legal framework,” Yakani said.
On Tuesday, political observer Ter Manyang Gatwech warned the party reshuffle could disrupt the implementation of the peace agreement due to internal party conflicts.
“The president will face multiple challenges within the ruling party, including from veterans who see him sidelining former comrades,” Gatwech said. “People aren’t surprised by his rapid move to elevate Bol Mel, but there will be serious consequences.”